When watching a cooking show on TV, have you ever noticed how easily they always seem to cut, slice, and chop things? That’s because they’re using a really good knife! Of course, they are also skilled in using their tools, but the best kitchen knife brands will allow you to develop similar skills, making cooking more fun.
The best kitchen knife brands make their culinary cutting tools in three basic styles. German knives, Japanese knives, and a hybrid of German and Japanese styles.
The basic differences in German and Japanese knives is that German knives tend to be heftier while Japanese knives are extremely sharp. Some people like both of those features, which is why a blended or hybrid style is also popular.
Another basic thing about these knives that sometimes surprises newcomers to fine kitchen knives is that they tend to cost more than what you may be used to.
A good chef’s knife from a top brand may cost as much or more than an entire cutlery set from a discount or department store. But there are also discounts on these knife brands to be found from time to time.
What to Look for In a Knife
- Sharp – A knife to be sharp enough to handle what you’re wanting to cut. Often times we think of meat and bones in regards to a knife’s sharpness. But the softer foods, like tomatoes or onions also benefit from sharpness. You want to slice, not smash.
- Strength – This is quality that lets you use the blade’s sharpness to power through thick meat and bones. A very thin blade may not be adequate, but certain Japanese style blades are thin, sharp, and very strong.
- Tang – Tang is the back side of the knife blade that extends into the handle. Full tang produces the strongest knives.
- Size and Weight – You want it large enough to do your intended job, but not so big and heavy that it becomes uncomfortable after using for a short time.
- Hilt – Hilt is the full handle, including the pommel at the very back end, the grip that you hold onto, and the guard that keeps you from slicing yourself. Subtle design changes in these features can greatly affect the usability of the knife, up or down.
- Sharpening – The type of steel used has a lot to do with how well a knife holds a sharp edge. Also, do want to sharpen and hone yourself? Or take it to a pro?
- Cleaning – Some knives will say they are dishwasher safe. That’s fine, but to get the longest life from a good knife, handwashing according to the brand’s instruction is better.
- Price – Always a factor. Can you afford a knife that costs as much as a vacation? If so, go for it! Otherwise, make your purchases count. A good knife is not cheap, but they don’t have to break the bank either.
The main thing is that you want a good knife so you can get really good at using one, making prep and cooking much more enjoyable.
Top 23 Best Kitchen Knife Brands for Food Enthusiasts!
1. Wüsthof
If you want a knife sharp enough to cleanly slice tomatoes and strong enough to easily bone a chicken, the Wüsthof 8 inch chef’s knife with full tang is one of the best knives available.
Wüsthof was founded in Germany in 1814 and is one of the premier cooking utensil manufacturers, especially focusing on knives. Found in a lot of places. Online, department stores, and specialty cooking ware stores.
A premier knife maker, Wüsthof produces consistently great knives across several levels of price. If you are wanting a serious knife for getting serious about food prep, Wüsthof is one of the best kitchen knife brands you could consider.
2. J.A. Henckels
If you want the experience of using a well crafted knife in your food prep but are hesitant about some of the seemingly astronomical prices out there, then the J. A. Henckles 8 inch chef’s knife is a great step forward for your cooking experience.
Part of one of the largest and oldest knife manufacturers in the world, the original company was established in Germany in 1731. Sold in department stores, cooking ware stores, and online, J.A. Henckles knives are very attractively priced for how good they are.
Very well made knives are what created their reputation, and little has changed though the years. Except for innovations and improvements, that is. Anyone wanting great knives but wishing to stay on a slightly lower budget will find virtually everything these knives attractive.
3. Pampered Chef
The star of Pampered Chef parties in neighborhoods everywhere is their German style 8 inch chef’s knife. And the No Mess Corn Butterer, of course.
The company began in 1980 and uses a multi-level marketing plan to sell products. In other words, you don’t buy them at stores. You go through dealers, either directly or at parties, like the sales model used by Tupperware and Shaklee.
Pampered Chef products are useful, high quality, and reasonably priced. Great knives for lovers of neat cooking tools.
4. Global Cutlery
A Japanese style knife, the Global Santoku 7 inch knife is sharp enough to make wafer thin tomato slices and strong enough to power through chicken bones.
Founded in Japan in 1985, Global cutlery is part of the larger Yoshida Metal Industry group of companies. Sold in cooking ware stores, outlet malls, and department stores, as well as online.
Extremely sharp and strong, Global knives last a long time, which they should since they are a little more expensive than run of the mill good knives. If you value a sharp edge as a top priority, Global’s knives will satisfy your needs and wants.
5. Misen
A Japanese knife with some German design and style features, the Misen 8 inch chef’s knife is a great value for a high end knife.
Originally began with a Kickstarter fundraiser, Misen is only sold direct to consumer online.
The knives sold by Misen are really quite good. The Kickstarter model of business is very beneficial to consumers, as you often get something well above the value of the funds you put into it, provided the original idea is viable, that is.
6. Shun
Follow Charlie to Candy Mountain or Shun the unbelievers? I choose Shun! Shun Cutlery makes the Classic 6 inch chef’s knife. A slightly smaller size which works well for chefs with smaller hands or simply not needing longer than 6 inches.
Formed in 2002 in Tokyo, Japan, the original company has roots that go back to 1908. Sold directly online or through authorized dealers that include cooking ware stores.
The knives sold by Shun are very good. What also helps is their policy of free periodic sharpening and a lifetime limited warranty. Good knives for
7. Victorinox
Not sure what the chefs in the Swiss army use for food prep, but many people are happy to have the Victorinox Rosewood Forged 8 inch chef’s knife in their kitchen. It’s a little pricey, but not outrageously so, making fast work of food prep.
Founded in Switzerland in 1884, Victorinox has made knives and tools for all sorts of basic needs. Victorinox kitchen knives are available in cooking ware stores and department as well as online.
Extremely well made, Victorinox kitchen knives hold their sharp edge for a long time. Their chef’s knives are good for people desiring high quality and are who are willing to pay a little more for it.
8. Mercer Culinary
Made with home chefs in mind, Mercer Culinary knives like the Renaissance 8 inch chef’s knife are very popular with home chefs wanting to step up into the world of better cutlery at very budget-friendly prices.
With its headquarters located in New York, Mercer provides cutlery solutions for professional and home kitchens around the globe. Purchased online or through department stores, discounters, and cooking ware outlets.
Very well received because they are well made, Mercer products are lower priced to make them very budget-friendly. Perfect for home-based kitchen enthusiasts.
9. Made In
Similar to the Pampered Chef business model, Made In provides consumers with a lot of options and price points for their fine products. Their 8-inch chef’s knife is a good example of a German-style blade kitchen knife.
Formed in 2016 in Austin, Texas, the family behind the company has been in the cookware industry for about a hundred years. The sales model is direct to consumer through their website and events.
Their knives are the premium quality with a great warranty. Made In are great cooking tools for chefs wanting premium cooking for less than premium pricing.
10. Zelite
The Zelite Infinity Alpha Royal 8 inch chef knife is a Japanese style knife that is very strong and easy to balance and use.
Made in China, Zelite has been around since 2015. You can find Zelite online, at cooking ware outlets, and in various regional discount retailers. Primarily, though, you will find the best selection and very good prices online through the major web based retailers.
Good quality overall, with blade edges that keep their sharp edge for a long time. If you want budget prices or premium knives, Zelite has cutlery that will meet your needs.
11. Old Hickory
Truly budget chef’s knives do exist, Old Hickory is one of the best kitchen knife brands for very low priced cutlery. The Old Hickory 79-8 is an 8 inch chef’s knife that you can pick up for around the price of going out to eat at a decent chain restaurant.
Started in Ontario in 1924, Old Hickory is part of the larger Ontario Knife Company. Shopping for these knives is very easy because you can find them almost anywhere. They are available online, at discount retailers, and department stores.
Decent knives at very low prices, Old Hickory knives are great as part of a gift set or as starter set for beginner cooks stepping up to fancier chef style kitchen work.
12. Messermeister
With a huge variety of knives available at prices and quality from budget to premium, Messermeister has a choice for you. The Park Plaza 8 inch German style chef’s knife falls right about in the middle of the range from low to high.
Started up in 1981, Messermeister is located in Ojai, California. They sell German style and Japanese style blades. Found online, you can also purchase them at home shows as well as various cooking ware outlets.
The price point is a good indicator of what knife to look at, but all of their cutlery is good. Whether you want German or Japanese style blades, Messermeister probably has a chef knife in your price range.
13. Rada Cutlery
Another one of the very budget brands of cutlery, the French Chef’s Knife is a very large 13 inches and is often paired for sale with other Rada Cutlery utensils such as butcher knives, dicers, and cleavers.
Located in Iowa, Rada Cutlery has been in business since 1948. Sold exclusively online through Amazon, they are one of Amazon’s separate storefronts.
For the extremely low prices, Rada knives are surprisingly good quality. Great for a gift, a first set, or as extra knives to supplement your home kitchen.
14. The Pioneer Woman
With a very popular TV show about cooking and other home-based ideas, Pioneer Woman knives like their Cowboy Rustic 8 inch chef’s knife are sure to please.
Started in Pawhuska, Oklahoma around 2010, The Pioneer Woman brand is generally found either in their Amazon store or at major discount retailers.
Very good knives, the brand is linked to the reputation of the TV show frontrunner, so they are keeping it real. In other words, good quality at great prices. Perfect for home cooks searching for a little something extra to use in their kitchen.
15. Tojiro
Tojiro knives are an awesome example of how good a Japanese style chef’s knife can be for general use. A little pricy, but using a knife like their Tojiro-PRO Gyuto F-892 8 inch Chef Knife makes it easy to understand why some people are willing to pay for premium Japanese style chef’s knives.
Since 1955, Tojiro has making cutlery in Japan for discriminating users. Available online and at cooking ware stores, you can also find them at department stores.
With prices that get a little steep for some tastes, Tojiro rewards purchasers with Japanese style knives that last forever and are very well balanced and easy to use. If you are looking for an extremely high quality Japanese style knife, Tojiro is one of the best kitchen knife brands you should examine.
16. Dexter Russell
With a wide variety of budget chef’s knives made, Dexter Russell probably has a knife you would enjoy. An interesting knife from their product line up is the Chinese style 8 inch S5198 chef knife. Chinese style is similar to Japanese for sharpness but with other design features to set the style apart. For instance, this chef’s knife has a shape reminiscent of a cleaver.
Part of the larger parent company founded in Massachusetts in 1818, Dexter Russell Cutlery came on the scene in 1933. Sold online and in a wide variety of retail stores including cooking ware outlets.
Made in various factories, Dexter Russell knives are all very high quality. Excellent choice for anyone wanting a good sharp knife at a decent price.
17. Allwin Housewares
Good quality knives can be found at discount prices. The Allwin Housewares 8 inch handmade Chef Knife made from 67-layer Damascus steel is a Japanese style chef’s knife that combines a very sharp blade with high strength.
A very new company, Allwin Housewares is a trademark of a company formed in 2018 in China. Sold primarily online, you can also find them at discount retailers.
The knives look and feel good, Damascus steel is a high-quality process for thin yet strong metal. Great knives for aspiring chefs on a tighter budget.
18. Mac Knife
Manufactured with a hybrid edge style, MAC knives are very sharp and very strong. The MTH-80 8 inch chef knife is one of the sharpest strong blades you are likely to find. Easily slices soft fruit and veggies and able to debone chickens in a single bound.
Made in Japan since 1964, MAC is manufactured with a tradition going back centuries with Samurai sword making. Sold online and through cooking ware stores and fine department stores.
Extremely well made and sharp, MAC knives have long lasting sharpness and are well respected by chefs preferring Japanese style blades. They are a little expensive, but not outrageously so.
19. Poshland
Some of the prettiest blades can be found on Poshland knives. The CFZ-1140 is as much a work of art as it is a usable piece of cutlery. A little over 12 inches long, the beautifully crafted blade is attached thru the tang to an attractive wood handle.
Made in the United Kingdom, Poshland has been in business since 2017. Sold online direct and through various web based stores, you can also purchase in some stores catering to sporting goods, since Poshland is also a sword maker.
Very pretty, the knives are also strong and sharp. If you want something completely different to use in your kitchen, this may be the knife brand for you.
20. OXO
Very good, yet very cheap, OXO cooking ware is tailor-made for tight budgets. The Good Grips 8 inch chef’s knife is an example that deserves a closer look.
Founded in 1990 in New York, OXO products are found at all sorts of stores including outlet stores for cooking ware.
Nicely made for their low price point, if you really need a lower price, these are good knives for you. To lean more, check out my guide on other top branded posts.
21. Kiwi Knives
Another very nice, extremely low priced brand of knives, Kiwi Knives such as the 8-inch Thai Chef’s Knife No. 21 will give you good service.
Made in Thailand, they are mostly found in web-based stores and maybe at sponsored cooking events.
Good for their price, Kiwi Knives are definitely for the budget-conscious.
22. Cangshan Cutlery
Rounding out list of the top 23 best kitchen knife brands for food enthusiasts is the Chinese maker of German style knives, Cangshan. Their 8 inch D Series Chef’s Knife is a great example of a good quality knife found at a very moderate price.
Made in China, Cangshan Cutlery manufactures Japanese style, German style, and some other styles of knives for a variety of cooking and food prep needs. Found online and in cooking ware and discount stores, you can find almost any type of kitchen you would want.
Well made for their price point, Cangshan is a good brand to consider when outfitting your kitchen or as a gift for newer cooks.
Leave a Comment